Jordan Jude
Here I was, sitting in a dining room in my mansion, sipping my coffee while waiting for the woman my father had chosen to be my bride. I picked up the paper before me again as my eyes scanned through every detail.
The paper contained every single detail about the woman I was about to marry—her name, age, occupation, and every other important detail with her photo attached at the side.
Ava Lee, a 24-year-old American who grew up in Cyprus and built her career, emerging as a popular actress there. Awards she had received for the past three years of her acting career were also written as well; Cyprus Theatre Award and Cyprus Film Award.
I averted my gaze towards her picture once again. She was gorgeous, sexy even—the type of woman that'd make any guy's lower body heat up with desire but my dick remained limp. Well, I hope we get along. I am sexually attracted to men doesn't mean I hate women.
Ava finally walked into the dining room, putting on the most provocative dress I've ever seen. She had on a black gown barely covering her thighs with horizontally oval-shaped holes on almost every nook and cranny of the material. I clenched my fist in anger. At this point, I don't know whose plan is it, hers or my dad's. Knowing Jude, he'd pay her or any woman to seduce me, hoping my sexual orientation would make a reverse, however, that didn't work. It only made me pissed.
I opened my mouth to speak but she beat me to it, "Let's just get this over with. I don't have all the time in the world," Ava said, popping a gum in her mouth.
She sat on the chair and crossed her legs before grabbing a spoon to taste the freshly cooked rice on top of the dining table.
I've never met anyone so rude.
I took a deep breath in, trying to stay calm.
"I've been waiting," I replied politely, taking a sip of my coffee, and this time I could swear the caffeine was kicking in, tempering my anger with a soothing calm.
Ava raised an eyebrow, her smirk is as sharp as the heels of her stilettos. "Well, good for you, Mr. Billionaire. You seem like the type who's used to getting everything you want when you want it."
Her words carried a sarcastic edge, and I clenched my jaw to stop myself from snapping. This arrangement was already a disaster, and it hadn't even properly begun.
"Miss Lee," I began, my tone cold but measured. "Let me make one thing very clear. This marriage may be fake, but my reputation, company, and livelihood are very real. If we're doing this, I expect you to behave with some decency and respect, both privately and in public."
Ava rolled her eyes dramatically and leaned back in her chair, popping her gum again. "Relax, Mr. Jude. I'm not here to ruin your precious little empire. Trust me, I didn't sign up for this circus because I wanted to."
Her words caught me off guard. "Then why are you here?"
She hesitated, her playful demeanor cracking just a little before she quickly masked it with another smirk. "Let's just say your father made me an offer I couldn't refuse. And no, before you ask, it wasn't money. Not everything is about cash, you know."
I studied her carefully. She was guarded, her bravado clearly a shield. There was more to her story, but I wasn't in the mood to dig deeper. This wasn't a partnership born out of trust or mutual understanding—it was a deal, plain and simple.
"Fine," I said, standing and setting my coffee cup down with a sharp clink. "Let's lay some ground rules. Number one, we'll keep this strictly professional. No unnecessary interactions unless required for appearances. Number two, you'll follow my lead when we're in public. No surprises. And number three…" I paused, meeting her gaze. "Keep your personal life out of this arrangement. I don't care what you do on your own time, but don't let it interfere with our deal."
Ava let out a low laugh, shaking her head. "Wow, you really know how to make a girl feel welcome, don't you?" She stood, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she stepped closer. "Don't worry, darling. I'll play my part perfectly. I'm an actress, after all."
She placed a hand on my chest, her touch light but deliberate.
I stared at her, my expression unreadable. She was testing me, pushing boundaries to see how far she could go. But I wasn't about to let her get under my skin.
"Good," I said evenly, stepping back and breaking her touch. "Then we have an understanding. Now, let's go meet the man my dad recommended and make this official."
Ava smirked, "Lead the way, husband."
As we walked out of the dining room together, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation settle even heavier on my shoulders. This was just the beginning, and already, I could tell Ava Lee was going to be as much of a challenge as my father.
But I'd made my decision. I'd play this role, endure this charade, and find a way to reclaim control of my life. One way or another, this would end on my terms.